Alabama teacher earns national education award + $25K prize
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Christian Stanley got a big surprise at a Goshen High School assembly before the winter break.
Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric G. Mackey and Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop were on hand to award the Goshen agriscience teacher with a $25,000 Milken Educator Award.
Stanley was one of 30 award recipients across the country and the only winner in Alabama this year. Mary Travis, a Mobile County teacher, won the award last year.
“Mr. Stanley represents everything we hope for in Alabama classrooms. He has a heart for students, provides excellent instruction, and has a deep commitment to his school and community. To see that kind of work recognized on a national stage with the Milken Educator Award is special not just for this teacher, but for Pike County and our entire state. This honor shines a light on what’s possible when purpose and persistence come together in education.”
Dr. Eric G. Mackey
Milken Educator Awards
The awards are widely considered the “Oscars of Teaching.”
Stanley is Alabama’s 43rd recipient since the state joined the Milken Educator Awards program in 1998 and is the first-ever recipient from Pike County Schools.
The initiative has no formal application or nomination process. Outstanding K-12 educators are sought out while early to mid-career for what they have achieved—and for the promise of what they will accomplish given the resources and opportunities afforded by the Award.
“Christian Stanley excels as an educator, mentor, colleague, and community leader. The Pike County Agriscience Academy is unparalleled. Students are lucky to have such rich, hands-on experiences that allow them to make meaningful contributions to the global economy and build the foundation for a bright future. Congratulations, Christian!”
Stephanie Bishop, Milken Educator Awards Vice President
Meet Christian Stanley
Paving New Paths: While students raise cattle and goats, manage greenhouses, and restore tractors, Goshen High School (GHS) agriscience teacher Christian Stanley ensures the Pike County Agriscience Academy is a well-oiled machine. Stanley teaches middle and high school students through the district’s Pike County Agriscience Academy—Alabama’s only high school agriculture education program offering college credit. Dually enrolled students can graduate with a short-term certificate or an associate’s degree in agriscience free of charge through Enterprise State Community College, where Stanley is an adjunct instructor.
Instruction Rooted in Real-Life: Stanley teaches classes such as animal and dairy science, horticulture, landscape design, floral design, and agriscience explorations. Prioritizing hands-on learning, he guides students in managing a freight farm controlled climate agriculture system—growing hundreds of heads of lettuce weekly that supply lunchrooms throughout the community. Stanley also serves as an advisor to Goshen’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter. He prepares students for competitions, incorporating STEM, CTE, and career development into his curriculum. The chapter has produced winning teams, and district and state student officers.
Making His Voice Heard: Stanley is a leadership team member, mentors new teachers, leads professional development, and presents at state and national teacher conferences. His work contributed to GHS’ recognitions by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. Broadening his impact, Stanley is FFA Agriscience Education Leadership Development Event (LDE) state chair, FFA Creed Speaking LDE south district chair, south district vice president of the Alabama Association of Agricultural Educators, and serves on the Pike County Cattlemen’s Association board of directors.
Connecting With the Community: Stanley maintains relationships with local farmers and community leaders to generate opportunities for students, received his CDL to drive students on trips around the community, and is the announcer at Friday night football games.
Education: Stanley earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural systems and education from Southern Illinois University in 2018 and a Master of Science in agriscience education from Auburn University in 2020.
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